Why was Bromfed Discontinued?

Bromfed is a type of medication used to treat common colds, flu, allergies, or other respiratory illnesses. It contains brompheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine.

Bromfed is not an over-the-counter medication; you need a prescription from your doctor before using this medication. This is because it contains pseudoephedrine, which can be misused to make methamphetamine.

Bromford Dosage

Bromfed is meant to be taken orally, following the instructions on the label. To measure your dose accurately, use a specialized oral syringe, spoon, or dropper. If you don’t have one, ask your pharmacist for assistance. Regular household spoons may not provide the right measurement. Remember not to take it more often than instructed.

If you’re considering giving this medicine to a child, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider. While it can be prescribed to children as young as 2 years old for specific conditions, precautions are necessary. Here’s a general guideline for dosages:

Children aged 2 to 5 years: Typically, give them ½ teaspoonful (2.5 mL) orally every 4 hours.
Children aged 6 to 11 years: Typically, give them 1 teaspoonful (5 mL) orally every 4 hours.
Adults and children aged 12 years and older: Typically, take 2 teaspoonfuls (10 mL) orally every 4 hours.

If you’re 65 years of age or older, be aware that you may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and may require smaller doses. Never exceed more than six doses within a 24-hour period.

If you suspect you’ve taken too much of this medicine, contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately.

Remember, this medicine is intended for your use only. Do not share it with others.

Why was Bromfed discontinued?

Bromfed is still in production by Wockhardt. Additionally, Acella Pharmaceuticals, LLC, has recently gained approval for a sugar-free version of Bromfed. Other companies are also manufacturing generic versions of this combination.

There are several reasons why a medication might be discontinued. These include:

Diminished Benefit: If a drug no longer provides significant benefits, like improving or stabilizing a medical condition, it may be considered for discontinuation.
Increased Risks: Medications can be discontinued if they pose risks due to side effects, interactions with other drugs, or unsafe use, especially in older adults.
Regulatory Issues: If the agency responsible for drug approvals identifies problems with a drug’s formulation or manufacturing, they may recall it, making it unavailable on the market.
Economic Factors: Sometimes, pharmaceutical companies discontinue a drug because it is no longer economically viable for them. They may choose to invest their resources in more profitable products.

So, while some drugs may be discontinued for various reasons, Bromfed is still available and actively used for the treatment of specific conditions.

When purchasing Bromfed DM with a prescription, are there any restrictions?

Indeed, the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act of 2005 has put restrictions in place regarding the purchase of products containing pseudoephedrine, such as Bromfed DM. These restrictions include:

Monthly Purchase Limits: Individuals are limited in the amount of pseudoephedrine they can buy each month. This limitation is aimed at preventing the bulk purchase of pseudoephedrine, which could potentially be used in the illegal production of methamphetamine.
Photo Identification: To buy products containing pseudoephedrine, individuals are required to present photo identification. This measure helps track and monitor purchases and ensures they are within legal limits.
Record Keeping: Stores selling pseudoephedrine-containing products are obligated to maintain records of purchasers and their purchases for at least two years. This record-keeping helps law enforcement track and investigate suspicious purchases.

These regulations are part of a broader effort to combat the illegal production of methamphetamine and to ensure that pseudoephedrine-based medications are used safely and appropriately.

Side effects of bromfed DM?

Here are some of the common side effects of Bromfed DM:

Thick Mucus: Coughing up thick mucus.
Dizziness and Drowsiness: Feeling dizzy or drowsy.
Dryness: Dry mouth, nose, or throat.
Restlessness or Excitement: Especially in children.

However, it’s crucial to be aware of more serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. Stop using Bromfed DM and contact your doctor if you experience any of the following:

Hallucinations: Seeing or hearing things that aren’t real.
Seizure: Experiencing a seizure.
Urinary Problems: Painful or difficult urination.
Fainting Sensation: Feeling light-headed as if you might pass out.
Heart Issues: Fast or pounding heartbeats.
Blood-related Issues: Such as pale skin, weakness, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, chills, and body aches.
Severe Headache: Accompanied by blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears.

Remember that this list doesn’t cover all possible side effects, and there may be other reactions that can occur. If you notice any unusual symptoms or have concerns about the side effects of Bromfed DM, it’s essential to contact your doctor for medical advice. You can also report any side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What can Interact with Bromfed Dm?

Here are some important interactions and precautions to keep in mind when using Bromfed DM:

Avoid Sedatives: Do not drink alcohol or use medications that can make you drowsy while taking Bromfed DM. This includes sleeping pills, other cold and allergy medicines, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
Children’s Sensitivity: Children may be more sensitive to this medicine than adults, especially if they take too much. Always follow the dosage instructions on the medicine label carefully when giving it to children. If you’re unsure about the correct dosage, consult your pharmacist or doctor.
Monitor Symptoms: If your symptoms don’t improve within 7 days or if they worsen, contact your doctor. If you develop a severe sore throat, fever, or notice thick yellow or green mucus, it’s important to consult your doctor.
Check for Alcohol: Some formulations of this medicine may contain alcohol. Read the label or ask your pharmacist to confirm the ingredients in your product.
Drowsiness and Restlessness: Bromfed DM can cause drowsiness or restlessness. If it makes you feel restless, avoid taking it before bedtime. Also, refrain from activities like driving or operating machinery that require alertness if you are not fully awake and alert while on this medication.
Phenylketonuria (PKU): Some versions of this medicine may contain phenylalanine in the form of aspartame. This is only a concern if you have phenylketonuria (PKU), a condition related to amino acid metabolism. Consult your doctor before using this medicine if you have PKU.
MAO Inhibitors: Do not use Bromfed DM if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. Dangerous drug interactions can occur with MAO inhibitors, which include medications like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine. Always inform your healthcare provider about any recent medication use before starting Bromfed DM.

These precautions and interactions are important to ensure the safe and effective use of Bromfed DM. If you have any concerns or questions about its use, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Guidelines and precautions

When taking Bromfed DM, it’s important to follow these guidelines:

Regular Check-Ups: Visit your healthcare provider for regular check-ups to monitor your progress. If your symptoms don’t improve or worsen, inform your healthcare provider.
Drowsiness and Dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Avoid activities that require mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how Bromfed DM affects you. If you’re an older patient, be cautious when standing up or sitting down quickly to reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting.
Alcohol Warning: Alcohol can interfere with the effects of this medicine. It’s advisable to avoid alcoholic drinks while using Bromfed DM.
Dry Mouth: Bromfed DM may cause dryness in your mouth. To alleviate this, consider chewing sugarless gum, sucking on hard candy, and drinking plenty of water. If the dry mouth problem persists or becomes severe, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

These precautions are essential to ensure your safety and well-being while taking Bromfed DM. If you have any concerns or experience unusual reactions, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider for assistance.